programme curriculum for the master’s programme in political science… · 2020-02-19 ·...

U N I V E R S I T Y O F C O P E N H A G E N

D E P A R T M E N T O F P O L I T I C A L S C I E N C E

Programme curriculum for THE MASTER’S PROGRAMME IN

POLITICAL SCIENCE, THE 2012 CURRICULUM,

VALID FROM 1 FEBURARY 2020

(Edited 10 January 2020)

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Table of contents

1. Preamble .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 2. Title and affiliation ............................................................................................................................................. 3 3. Objectives and competency profile, etc. ......................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 3.2 Competency profile ..................................................................................................................................... 4 3.3 Admission requirements and restrictions ................................................................................................. 5

3.3.1 Supplementary activities ...................................................................................................................... 6 3.3.2 New entry requirements and restrictions as of 1 September 2016 ............................................... 6

4. Content and academic profile ........................................................................................................................... 7 4.1. Specialisations .............................................................................................................................................. 8

4.1.1 Specialisation in Organisation and Management ............................................................................. 8 4.1.2 Specialisation in Political Theory ....................................................................................................... 8 4.1.3 Specialisation in Political Behaviour and Advanced Quantitative Method ................................. 9 4.1.4 Specialisation in European Union Studies ........................................................................................ 9 4.1.5 Specialisation in International Relations, Diplomacy and Conflict Studies ................................. 9 4.1.6 Specialisation in International Political Economy ......................................................................... 10

4.2 Freedom of choice ..................................................................................................................................... 11 4.3 Registration for courses and exams......................................................................................................... 11 4.4 Credit ........................................................................................................................................................... 11

5. Exams ................................................................................................................................................................. 12 5.1 Assessment and grading ............................................................................................................................ 12

6. Course Catalogue .............................................................................................................................................. 13 6.1 Oral exams .................................................................................................................................................. 14

6.1.1 Oral exam based on a synopsis ........................................................................................................ 15 6.1.2 Oral exam with or without preparation .......................................................................................... 15

6.2 24-hour written take-home assignment .................................................................................................. 16 6.3 Assignments on optional subjects: .......................................................................................................... 19

6.3.1 Written Assignment on optional subject covered by courses ..................................................... 19 6.3.2 Free assignment on optional subject not covered by courses ..................................................... 21

6.4 Seminars ...................................................................................................................................................... 23 Contents, etc. .................................................................................................................................................... 23 6.5 Public Law .................................................................................................................................................. 25 6.6 Academic internship .................................................................................................................................. 26 6.7 Compulsory courses on the specialisations ............................................................................................ 30 6.8 Thesis ........................................................................................................................................................... 32

6.8.1 Course description for students who signed their 1st thesis contract on 30 November 2019 and prior to this date. .................................................................................................................................. 35

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1. Preamble

This programme curriculum should be read in conjunction with the Curricula's Common Part for the Faculty of

Social Sciences, which applies to all bachelor and master’s programmes run by the faculty. The Curricula's

Common Part lays out rules that apply to all of the faculty’s programmes.

The programme curriculum has been approved by the dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and is valid from 1

September 2015.

2. Title and affiliation

This curriculum expires 31 January 2021. Graduates are entitled to use the title candidatus/candidata scientiarum

politicarum (cand.scient.pol.), Master of Science (MSc) in Political Science.

This programme curriculum was drawn up by the Study Board in the Department of Political Science at the

University of Copenhagen. External examiners for the programme are provided by Corps of External Examiners

for the programmes in Political Science, and Social Studies at universities of Southern Denmark, Aarhus and

Copenhagen and Copenhagen Business School.

Students may also specialise during the programme in one of the following specialisations.

MSc in Political Science with specialisation in Organisation and Management

MSc in Political Science with specialisation in Political Theory

MSc in Political Science with specialisation in Political Behaviour and Advanced Quantitative

Methodology

MSc in Political Science with specialisation in the EU

MSc in Political Science with specialisation in International Relations, Diplomacy and Conflict Studies

MSc in Political Science with specialisation in International Political Economy

Read more about the individual specialisations in 4.1 below.

From the fall semester 2018 the specialisations are changed. To complete a specialisation the student must take

22,5 ECTS broken down on two mandetory courses at 15 ECTS and 7,5 ECTS within the subject area of the

specialisation. In addition, the thesis must be written within the subject area of the specialisation.

When the specialisations are changed from 30 to 22,5 ECTS the student must use the remaining 7,5 ECTS on an

elective course.

In the future, the specialisations will only be offered on the fall semester.

The following specialisations will be offered.

Political Behaviour (only offered in Danish) (22,5 ECTS)

Organisation and Management (only offered in Danish) (22,5 ECTS)

European Politics (22,5 ECTS)

International Relations and Conflict Resolution (22,5 ECTS)

Foreign Policy (22,5 ECTS)

International Political Economy (22,5 ECTS)

Political Theory (22,5 ECTS)

Evaluative knowledge (only offered in Danish) (22,5 ECTS)

The Politics of Enviroment, Climate and Sustainability (22,5 ECTS)

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3. Objectives and competency profile, etc.

3.1 Objectives

The master’s programme in Political Science builds on and develops the knowledge and skills acquired on the

bachelor programme by immersing the students in academic questions concerning political science. Based on a

broad curriculum, the programme teaches students to select and apply political science and social science theory

and methodology in an independent and critical manner and conduct their own analyses of academic problems at

a high academic level.

Through both research-based instruction and independent academic study, students also acquire more wide-

ranging and varied knowledge in a series of different subject areas within political science and related disciplines.

Graduates of the programme are qualified to:

1) participate in academic work;

2) continue with higher education, including the PhD programme;

3) take highly qualified jobs in the area covered by the programme,

as well as more general academic jobs in both the public and private sectors.

3.2 Competency profile

The master’s programme in Political Science builds on and develops the competencies acquired on the bachelor

programme. A complete competency profile for graduates in political science, therefore, also involves the

competency profile for the bachelor programme. Within certain limits (see 3 below), the master’s programme

gives students the opportunity to choose and put together course elements, so there is a certain amount of

variation in the academic profiles of individual graduates. The competency profile below reflects the general

competencies acquired by all graduates of the master’s programme in Political Science.

On successful completion of the programme, graduates have the following competency profile:

Knowledge

the ability to reflect on political-science theories and methods at a high academic level, based on

advanced and in-depth knowledge of political-science subject areas (administration, international

politics, political science)

the ability to identify and critically evaluate the interrelationships between political science’s core areas,

as well as relevant knowledge of and insights into the other social sciences, e.g. economics, law and

sociology

the ability to apply academic knowledge in a flexible and versatile manner, in order to assess the

strengths and weaknesses of given theories and methodologies in tangible research or work contexts.

Skills

the ability to plan and conduct systematic and sound analyses of political-science and social-science

problems in an independent manner and to evaluate the appropriateness of different theories and

methodologies

the ability to transform theoretical, methodological and empirical knowledge into practice, in the form

of empirical analyses of political-science problems

the ability to develop analysis models in an academic or practical context, make informed and reasoned

decisions about model solutions, and put their use into perspective

the ability to participate in academic discourse at an advanced level and in an independent, analytical,

critical and systematic manner, both in political science and in other subject areas

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the ability to communicate the results of their own and others’ research in academic and clear language,

orally and in writing, to different groups (fellow political scientists, other academics as well as lay

people).

Competencies

the ability to work on practical issues with other groups of academics, especially social scientists and to

communicate their specific and general knowledge and apply it to the task at hand

the ability to work in a structured, independent and systematic manner while maintaining a broader

perspective and to adhere to timetables and requirements for academic quality

the ability to manage, plan and implement projects and development work

the ability to take academic jobs in the public and private sectors, both at home and abroad

the ability to anticipate and act in relation to ethical questions, both in the research world and in specific

work contexts

the ability to continue to study key political-science subjects, e.g. as PhD students

the ability to develop and specialise academically in a lifelong learning perspective.

3.3 Admission requirements and restrictions

Graduates of the following programmes have the right to direct admission to the master’s programme in Political

Science at the University of Copenhagen:

the bachelor programme in Political Science at the University of Copenhagen

the bachelor programme in Political Science at Aarhus University

the bachelor programme in Political Science at the University of Southern Denmark.

Graduates with a bachelor degree in Political Science at the University of Copenhagen have a legal right to

admission to the master's programme if they apply directly after completion of the bachelor programme.

Other applicants from universities in Denmark and abroad may be admitted on the basis of a specific, individual,

academic assessment provided they are able to demonstrate knowledge, expertise and skills corresponding to the

bachelor programme in Political Science at the University of Copenhagen. This assessment will be based on the

following requirements:

The qualifying bachelor degree must contain a minimum of 90 ECTS credits in general political science

courses, e.g. courses within public administration and policy, international relations, comparative

politics, political theory

The qualifying bachelor degree must contain a minimum of 15 ECTS credits in qualitative and/or

quantitative research methods within social sciences.

Proficiency in English corresponding to at least English B-level; cf. Section 11 of the Danish Ministerial

Order on Admission at Universities.

The programme has a limited number of seats. If there are more qualified applicants than seats the selection of

admitted applicants is based on:

Grade point average from the qualifying bachelor degree

Statement of purpose for wanting to study MSc in Political Science (max. 1 page) covering your motivation for applying, knowledge of the programme and relevant experience (for example; internships, student jobs, academic publications).

Curriculum Vitae: including academic publications or work experience (max. 2 pages).

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3.3.1 Supplementary activities

Only a Bachelor degree will be considered as the entry qualification to a Master’s programme. This means that

supplementary courses and the like taken after the bachelor degree will not be taken into account in the

assessment.

The only exception to this is activities that have been passed before the bachelor degree was finished. These

courses can either be a part of a previous education or taken as single courses. But no more than 30 ECTS

credits like this can be taken into account in the assessment.

3.3.2 New entry requirements and restrictions as of 1 September 2016

Admission to the master’s programme in Political Science will be subject to restriction as of 1 September 2016.

As of this date, only a fixed number of places will be available on the master's programme per intake.

If there are more qualified applicants than there are places, selection will be based on an overall assessment of

the following criteria:

assessments in and proportion of courses taken from the three core areas of political science –

international relations, public administration and political science

assessments in and proportion of courses in social sciences that support political science, e.g.

micro/macro economics and sociology

general assessments/achievement levels/grades for the courses included in the bachelor degree

the applicant's personal statement (max. 2 pages) for admission to the master’s programme, including

the applicant's objectives with and knowledge of the master's programme

curriculum vitae, including academic publications or works

academic references.

Bachelors with a legal right of admission from the Department of Political Science at the University of Copenhagen who start the

master's programme directly after completing the bachelor programme will NOT be covered by the restricted admission provisions; see

the Ministerial Order on Access to Master’s Programmes at the Universities (the Master’s Admission Order) 10

(1).

Applicants must seek admission to the master’s programme within five years of completing the bachelor

programme.

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4. Content and academic profile

The core subject area for the master’s programme is political science. The course elements must slit as follows:

The master’s programme in Political Science, 120 ECTS credits

Political-science and partially optional course

elements,

60 ECTS credits

Political-science/social-sciences partially optional course

elements, 30 ECTS credits

Political Science Thesis, 30 ECTS credits

Min. 90 ECTS credits (including the thesis) must be in the political science area. The remaining 30 ECTS credits

can be in the social-science subject area.

Political science covers the following core areas: Political Science, Public Administration and International

Relations.

All courses taken in the Department of Political Science are considered to be in this category.

Social science covers subject areas adjacent to political science (i.e. the social sciences), as well as subject areas

that the Study Board considers relevant for the student’s individual course of study.

The Study Board assesses whether courses taken outside the Department of Political Science and approved for

credit transfer are categorised as falling within the political science or social science areas.

Constituent course elements

The programme consists of the following course elements, and the students put together their own programme

based on the requirements described in 4.2.

Seminars: 7.5 or 15 ECTS credits (written assignments)**

Assignments on optional subjects: 7.5 or 15 ECTS credits

Courses with oral exams: 7.5 or 15 ECTS credits

Thesis: 30 ECTS credits

Project report: 15 or 30 ECTS credits

Public Law: 7.5 ECTS credits*.

*A pass in Public Law at either bachelor or master’s level is a prerequisite for graduating as a Master of Political Science.

** As from 1 September 2018 seminars are no longer offered as a part of the course catalogue.

Please refer to part 7 and to the course catalogue at www.kurser.ku.dk for descriptions of the programme’s

objectives, the criteria for the objectives, as well as types of instruction and exam forms.

Study trips in Denmark or abroad can be included as part of the master’s programme.

http://www.kurser.ku.dk/

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4.1. Specialisations

Students on the master’s programme have the option to take a one-year specialisation programme.

A specialisation programme consists of a total of 60 ECTS credits made up of one or more compulsory core

courses, a number of partially optional elements (totalling 30 ECTS credits), as well as a master’s thesis (30

ECTS credits) in a specialised subject area.

The section below provides an overview of the course content of the six specialisation programmes.

The specialisation programmes are run alternately in the two semesters, and the courses that fall under the six

specialisation programmes are listed in the course catalogue each semester.

The specialisation programmes follow two different models:

1. Specialisation for specialisation programme students only:

a. Min. 15 students and max. 30 students per specialisation

2. Specialisation for specialisation programme students and other interested students

a. Min. 15 students per course

The Department of Political Science offers a total of six specialisation programmes, which are described below.

Students register for the specialisation programmes via Student Self-Service on KUnet at the same time that they

register for courses.

Information about the various specialisations can be found on the Department of Political Science website:

http://polsci.ku.dk/uddannelser/kandidat

4.1.1 Specialisation in Organisation and Management

Successful completion of this specialisation gives graduates the right to use the title: MSc in Political Science with

Specialisation in Organisation and Management.

Obtaining a specialisation in Organisation and Management requires taking an exam in a compulsory course

package consisting of:

Organisation 15 ECTS

Control and Management 15 ECTS

Admissions to this specialisation are restricted to max. 30 students. If more than 30 students register for the

specialisation, the places are allocated according to the following criteria:

Seniority

Grades in the National Administration course on the Political Science bachelor programme.

4.1.2 Specialisation in Political Theory


Specialisation in Political Theory.

Obtaining a specialisation in Political Theory requires taking an exam in a compulsory course package consisting

of:

Compulsory core course: Contemporary Political Theory (15 ECTS)

Compulsory core course: Democratic Challenges (7.5 ECTS)

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Compulsory core course: Authority, Sovereignty, Power (7.5 ECTS)

4.1.3 Specialisation in Political Behaviour and Advanced Quantitative Method


Specialisation in Political Behaviour and Advanced Quantitative Method.

Obtaining a specialisation in Political Behaviour and Advanced Quantitative Method requires taking an exam in a

compulsory course package consisting of:

Compulsory core course: Political Behaviour (15 ECTS).

Compulsory core course: Advanced Quantitative Method (7.5 ECTS)

One elective course (7.5 ECTS) approved by the coordinator of the specialisation programme.



Seniority

Grades in the General Political Science course as well as Method 2 on the bachelor programme in

Political Science

4.1.4 Specialisation in European Union Studies


Specialisation in European Union Studies.

Obtaining the specialisation in European Union Studies requires taking an exam in a compulsory course package

consisting of:

Compulsory core course: Institutions, Policy Process and Policies (7.5 ECTS),

Compulsory core course: Researching Complex Questions in European Politics (7.5 ECTS)

Partly optional elements totalling 15 ECTS, approved by the coordinator of the specialisation

programme.

4.1.5 Specialisation in International Relations, Diplomacy and Conflict Studies


Specialisation in International Relations, Diplomacy and Conflict Studies.

Obtaining the specialisation in International Relations, Diplomacy and Conflict Studies requires taking an exam

in a compulsory course package consisting of:

Compulsory core course: 15 ECTC (graded seminar)


programme.



Seniority

Grades in the International Politics course on the bachelor programme in Political Science

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4.1.6 Specialisation in International Political Economy


Specialisation in International Political Economy.

Obtaining a specialisation in International Political Economy requires taking an exam in a compulsory course

package consisting of:

Compulsory core course: Theories and Issues of IPE (15 ECTS)


programme.

See the course catalogue for descriptions of content, academic objectives, forms of instruction and examination,

etc., for compulsory courses in the six specialisation programmes.

Transitional curriculum As from 1 September 2018 the following will be applicable for the specialisations, that from now on are called Core subjects. For students who have been registered for this exam before 1 September 2018, but not passed it, the above will still apply.

The core-subject lines’ goal description and form of grading are described in further detail in the sections below. The content, criteria for goal attainment, syllabus and forms of teaching and examination vary from course to course and must therefore be found in the course catalogue (www.kurser.ku.dk). It is possible to choose between the following core-subject lines:

Organisation and Leadership (only offered in Danish)

Political Theory

Political Behaviour (only offered in Danish)

International Political Economy

International Relations and Conflict Resolution

Foreign Policy

European Politics

Evaluative knowledge (only offered in Danish)

The Politics of Enviroment, Climate and Sustainability The overview below shows which core subjects are to be taken for the individual lines:

Core-subject line Core subject

Organisation and Leadership Core subject 1: Public Governance and Management

Core subject 2: Organisational Analysis

Political Theory Core subject 1: Contemporary Political Theory

Core subject 2: Democratic Challenges

Political Behaviour Core subject 1: Political Behaviour

Core subject 2: Advanced Quantitative Methods in the study of Political Behaviour

International Political Economy Core subject 1: Theories and Issues in International Political Economy

Core subject 2: Concepts and Methods in International Relations


Core subject 1: Approaches to International Conflicts - From Theory to Methods


Foreign Policy Core subject 1: Theory and Practice in Foreign Policy



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European Politics

Core subject 1: Institutions, Policy Processes and Policies in the European Union

Core subject 2: Important Challenges in European Governance:

Lobbying and Interest Groups

Evaluative knowledge Core subject 1: Evaluation

Core subject 2: Knowledge

The Politics of Enviroment, Climate and Sustainability

Core subject 1: The Politics of Environment and Climate

Core subject 2: Perspectives on Sustainability

See more in section 6.7.

4.2 Freedom of choice

On the basis of the course catalogue, students can compose the specific academic content of the subject element

options included in the programme, including which partial free course elements that has to be a part of the

programme apart from the obligatory thesis. If students have taken one of the above-mentioned specialisations,

the freedom of choice is limited by the requirements mentioned in 4.1.

The following requirements form the framework for the academic composition of the programme, and the

students freedom of choice is thereby limited accidently:

Minimum 90 ECTS including the thesis must be conducted in the political-science subject area

Minimum 60 ECTS including the thesis must be conducted by written exams

Minimum 60 ECTS including the thesis must be graded

Minimum 1/3 of the exams must be assessed with an internal and extern examiner

The elective elements may also be taken outside the Department of Political Science. The Board of Studies will

assess whether subjects taken outside the Department of Political Science, and which are approved for credit

transfer, can be categorised within the political-science or social-science discipline. Read more about credit

transfer in section 4.4.

4.3 Registration for courses and exams

Students must themselves register for courses and exams via self-service on KUnet during the announced self-service period prior to each semester.

4.4 Credit

Students on the master’s degree programme in political science are entitled to transfer a maximum of 60 ECTS

from subjects studied at another educational institution in Denmark or abroad.

Mandatory subjects on the specialisations can not be replaced by subjects from other educational institutions and

must therefore be conducted at the Department of Political Science.

Read more about the rules and procedures for approval and transfer of credit in section 5.5 of the Curricula’s

Common Part.

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5. Exams

5.1 Assessment and grading

The table below shows how each course element is assessed so that the programme meets the requirements in

the Exam Order, as per 4.7 of the Curricula’s Common Part.

Partially optional course elements

Course title Assessment/Grading

Political science seminars, 7.5/15 ECTS credits

From 1 September 2018, seminars are no longer

offered as part of the courses.

Pass/Fail or graded without external examiner

Social science seminars, 7.5/15 ECTS credits

From 1 September 2018, seminars are no longer

offered as part of the courses.

Pass/Fail or graded without external examiner

Courses in core political-science areas with oral exam,

7.5/15 ECTS credits

Graded by internal and external examiner

Courses in core social-science areas with oral exam,

7.5/15 ECTS credits

Graded by internal and external examiner

Courses in core political-science areas with written

exam, 7.5/15 ECTS credits

7-point grading scale with internal and external

examiner

Courses in core social-science areas with written

exam, 7.5/15 ECTS credits

7-point grading scale with internal and external

examiner

Academic internship, 15/30 ECTS credits 7-point grading scale with internal examiner

Compulsory elements


Political Science Thesis, 30 ECTS credits 7-point grading scale with internal and external

examiner

Transitional curriculum As from 1 September 2018 the following will be applicable for the partially optional and compulsory course elements. For students who have been registered for these exams before 1 September 2018, but not passed it, the above will still apply.

Partially optional course elements


Elective courses, 7.5/15 ECTS credits 7-point grading scale with one examiner

Academic internship, 7.5/15 ECTS credits Pass/Fail with one examiner

Free assignment on optional subject not covered by

courses, 7.5/15 ECTS credits

7-point grading scale with one examiner

Compulsory elements


Political Science Thesis, 30 ECTS credits 7-point grading scale with internal and external

examiner

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6. Course Catalogue

The courses offered on the master’s programme in Political Science are outlined below.

Courses and exams are quantified in terms of European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits. Under this

system, 60 credits correspond to one year of full-time study. A course weighted at 7,5 ECTS credits therefore

corresponds to 1/8 of a year of prescribed full-time study.

Each semester, a range of courses is offered at master’s level with content relevant to both political and social

science. The courses offered, including seminars, are listed in the course catalogue. A number of specialist

seminars and the course Public Law are also offered each semester.

Course descriptions, exam forms, etc. for the specialisation courses are contained in the course catalogue at

kurser.ku.dk.

Contents, etc.

The programme’s courses vary widely in terms of content, but they are generally organised in such a way that

students are able to develop and expand their knowledge of political science’s key theoretical, methodological

and/or empirical problems in an independent manner. Students are offered a choice of courses from political

science’s core areas: Political Science, Public Administration and International Relations. Within these areas, the

programmes may vary in both structure and content.

Description of objectives and criteria for achievement of targets

The description of objectives varies according to the different courses, and the course catalogue varies from

semester to semester. The description of objectives for each course must therefore be included in the course

catalogue (www.polsci.ku.dk) for the semester concerned. The description of objectives, including the criteria for

achieving targets, are general objectives and criteria that apply to all oral exams, assignments on optional subjects,

seminars and theses.


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6.1 Oral exams

Description of objectives for oral examinations (7.5/15 ECTS credits)

As a result of their academic endeavours, students must be able to:

demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the subject area of the course, including key theoretical,

methodological and empirical issues

discuss potential opportunities for developing theories, concepts and methods in the subject area

formulate ideas relevant to the subject area precisely and using correct academic terminology

Criteria for achieving objectives for oral exams

The grade 12 is awarded for an excellent performance that demonstrates complete fulfilment of the course

objectives by:

showing in-depth knowledge of the subject area at a high academic level

independently and critically discussing and reflecting on the application of theories, concepts and

methods in an analysis of key research problems in the subject area

discussing potential opportunities for developing theories, concepts and methods in the subject area

formulating ideas relevant to the subject area precisely and using correct academic terminology at a high

academic level

The grade 7 is given for a good performance in the oral exam in which the student meets the criteria for

achieving the course’s academic goals, albeit with a number of deficiencies, e.g. a certain lack of independence, a

lack of systematic discussion of theories, concepts and methods, or a lack of knowledge of aspects of the subject

area.

The grade 02 is awarded for an adequate performance in the oral exam in which the student meets the criteria for

achieving the course’s academic goals to a minimum acceptable degree, i.e. a performance characterised by a low

level of independence in the discussion of theories, concepts and methods, and very limited knowledge of the

subject area.

Extent and workload

Oral exams are prescribed to 7,5 ECTS credits. The workload for each course is calculated as 27.5 hours per

ECTS credit, so that, for example, a course worth 7.5 ECTS credits corresponds to a workload of 206 hours per

semester.

It is up to the individual lecturer to decide how the total number of working hours should be split between the

student activities below:

number of hours spent on assignments

number of hours spent reading the syllabus

number of hours spent in classes

number of hours spent on exam preparation and exams

number of hours devoted to other programme-related activities (providing feedback on other students’

papers, student presentations, etc.)

The numbers of hours allocated to the different course elements are listed in the course catalogue.

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Literature:

The syllabuses for all oral exams are set by the lecturer and approved by the study board. The extent of the

syllabuses is shown in the following list:

Oral examination 7.5 ECTS credits 15 ECTS credits

Syllabuses 900–1,200 pages 1,800–2,100 standard pages

In courses with oral exams, max. 25% of the syllabus may consist of literature cited previously. Students who do

not meet this requirement cannot participate in the exam.

Teaching and working methods

Classes are usually held in a single semester and consist of two hours a week for each course. In courses where

the classes are held in one half of the semester, there are two hours of classes twice a week. The length of

courses and number of hours per week may vary.

Forms of examination

Courses with oral exams are offered with one of the following forms of examination:

6.1.1 Oral exam based on a synopsis

Oral exam with or without preparation

An oral exam with a synopsis takes the form of an individual oral examination based on a written paper

(synopsis). The exam also includes a wider discussion of the syllabus, as the examiner is required to assess the

student in relation to the whole syllabus. A synopsis may be written individually or in a group (maximum three

persons).

The synopsis may not exceed 7,200 keystrokes (three standard pages). See section 4.5 of the Curricula’s

Common Part for more information about the formal requirements for written assignments, as well as an

overview of what is included in the keystroke count.

Students are examined individually. No member of a group may be present during the others’ exams.

The assessment is based solely on the oral performance, i.e. the synopsis is not part of the assessment. Students

are allowed to bring an outline consisting of keywords (max. 100 words) and the synopsis into the exam.

Comments may not be added to the outline and synopsis.

6.1.2 Oral exam with or without preparation

This exam takes the form of an individual oral examination. To begin the exam, the student draws a random

question prepared by the lecturer. The question forms the basis for the oral examination, which also includes a

wider discussion of the syllabus, as the examiner is required to assess the student in relation to the whole

syllabus. The exam lasts 30 minutes in total, including grading.

If it is an oral examination with preparation, the student is given 30 minutes of preparation time before the oral

examination.

Oral exams with or without preparation can only be taken individually.

Oral exams are graded by an internal and external examiner according to the seven-point scale.

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6.2 24-hour written take-home assignment

Description of objectives for 24-hour take-home assignments (7.5/15 ECTS)

A 24-hour written take-home assignment is based on a course. The purpose of the assignment is to prove that

students are able to:

complete an in-depth analysis of a subject related to political science or social science at a high academic

level

write a coherent paper in terms of form and content, whose analysis and answer to the research question

are logically structured and clearly expressed.

Criteria for meeting the academic goals of 24-hour written take-home assignments

The grade 12 is awarded for an excellent paper on an optional subject that meets the following criteria with few

or no deficiencies:

deals with a well-defined problem related to the course’s academic goals

links theory and methodology and draws on theoretical or empirical case studies as part of its analysis and

answer to the research question

reflects on the choice of theories, methods and case studies and their strengths and weaknesses.

discusses and assesses the analysis’s strengths and weaknesses

is coherent in terms of form and content

the analysis is at a high academic level and the results are presented in a logical structure and in clear

language that addresses the research question.

The grade 7 is given for a good performance. The 24-hour written take-home assignment meets the criteria for

achieving the described academic goals, albeit with a number of deficiencies, such as a lack of cohesion between

theory, method and case studies in the analysis.

The grade 02 is given for an adequate performance. The 24-hour written take-home assignment meets the

criteria for achieving the described academic goals to a minimum acceptable degree, e.g. it is characterised by a

low degree of coherence between theory, method and case studies, and a superficial analysis.

Extent and workload

The 24-hour written take-home assignment is worth 7.5 or 15 ECTS credits. The workload for each course is

calculated as 27.5 hours per ECTS credit, so that, for example, a course worth 7.5 ECTS credits corresponds to a

workload of 206 hours per semester. It is up to the individual lecturer to decide how the total number of

working hours should be split between the student activities below:

number of hours spent on assignments

number of hours spent reading the syllabus

number of hours spent in classes

number of hours spent on exam preparation and exams

number of hours devoted to other programme-related activities (providing feedback on other students’

papers, student presentations, etc.)

The number of working hours allocated to the course are listed in the course catalogue.

17

Literature

The syllabus for the 24-hour take-home assignment consists of 900-1,200 pages for 7.5 ECTS credits and 1,800-

2,100 pages for 15 ECTS credits. The syllabus is set by the lecturer and approved by the study board.

If the syllabus includes literature that has been cited previously, the student must list additional literature in order

to submit a total of 1,200 pages of new literature. Supplementary literature must be listed in the bibliography.

The student must sign a solemn declaration of compliance with the rules concerning the syllabus.


Classes are usually held in a single semester and consist of two hours a week for each course. In courses where

the classes are held in one half of the semester, there are two hours of classes twice a week. The length of

courses and number of hours per week may vary.

The length of courses and number of hours per week may vary.

Forms of examination

A 24-hour written take-home assignment is prepared on the basis of a question prepared by the lecturer.

Students can choose between three different questions.

The assignment is graded according to the seven-point grading scale by an internal and external examiner. If the

assignment is graded -3 or 00, a new assignment on the same subject may be submitted for a re-examination.

Comments

From 1 September 2018 will 24-hour written take-home assignment no longer be offered as an exam form. For students who have been registered for these exams before 1 September 2018, but not passed it, the above will still apply up to and including summer make-up and resit exam 2019.

Transitional curriculum As from 1 September 2018 Three-day compulsory written take-home assignment will be offered as an exam

form.

The written assignment consists of an answer to a single question.

The extent of the take-home assignment must not exceed:

- For one student: 19,200 keystrokes (8 standard pages)

- For two students: 24,000 keystrokes (10 standard pages)

- For three students: 28,800 keystrokes (12 standard pages)

See 4.5 of the Curricula’s Common Part for more information about the formal requirements for written

assignments and an overview of what is included in the keystroke count.

As from 1 September 2018 the portfolio exam will be offered as an exam form.

18

The portfolio exam is passed by submitting two compulsory assignments during the course. The extent of each assignment is as follows:

The extent of the assignment may not exceed: 7.5 ECTS 15 ECTS

For one student: 19.200 keystrokes

(8 standard pages)

24.000 keystrokes

(10 standard pages)

For two students: 24.000 keystrokes (10 standard pages)

28.800 keystrokes (12 standard pages)

For three students: 28.800 keystrokes (12 standard pages)


There will be given one grade based on the two assignments. Students who do not get their assignment approved will be able to resubmit a revised assignment once for a new assessment.

See 4.5 of the Curricula’s Common Part for more information about the formal requirements for written assignments and an overview of what is included in the keystroke count.

The make-up and resit exam is passed through a free assignment.

The extent of the assignment may not exceed: 7.5 ECTS 15 ECTS

For one student: 36.000 keystrokes

(15 standard pages)

48.000 keystrokes

(20 standard pages)

For two students: 60.000 keystrokes (25 standard pages)


For three students: 84.000 keystrokes (35 standard pages)


See 4.5 of the Curricula’s Common Part for more information about the formal requirements for written

assignments and an overview of what is included in the keystroke count.

19

6.3 Assignments on optional subjects:

6.3.1 Written Assignment on optional subject covered by courses

Description of objectives for assignments on optional subjects (7.5/15 ECTS credits)

The assignment on an optional subject is based on a course. The purpose of writing an assignment is to prove

that students are able to:

document advanced and in-depth processing of a subject relevant to political science or social science

formulate a problem in an independent manner in a field related to the theories, methods and case

studies introduced during the course

select appropriate theory, methodology and data in order to analyse and respond to the problem

identify strengths/weaknesses in the use of the selected theory/theories and method(s)

write a coherent assignment, in terms of content and communications, in which the result of the analysis

and the response to the problem is characterised by a logical structure and linguistic clarity.

Criteria for achievement of targets for assignments on optional subjects

The grade 12 is awarded for an excellent assignment on an optional subject with no deficiencies, or only a few

minor deficiencies, that meets the following criteria:

deals with a defined problem related to the description of the objectives for the courses offered

links theory and methodology and draws on theoretical or empirical cases as part of its analysis of and

response to the problem

reflects on the choice of theories, methods and case studies, and their strengths and weaknesses

includes an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the analysis

offers a coherent analysis with regard to content and communication

conducts an analysis on a high academic level, the results of which are presented in a logical structure

and in clear language that addresses the problem.

The grade 7 is awarded for a good performance, in which the assignment on an optional subject meets the

stipulated criteria, albeit with a number of deficiencies and/or reveals a lack of cohesion between theory, method

and case(s) in the analysis.

The grade 02 is given to an adequate performance, in which the assignment on an optional subject only meets

the minimum acceptable level of fulfilment of the criteria for achievement of targets, i.e. it is characterised by a

low degree of coherence between theory, method and case(s), and a superficial analysis.

Extent and workload

Exams consisting of assignments on optional subjects are prescribed to 7.5 or 15 ECTS credits. The workload

for each course is 27.5 hours per ECTS credit, e.g. 7.5 ECTS credits corresponds a workload of 206 hours per

semester. It is up to the individual lecturer to decide how the total number of working hours is split between the

activities below:

no. of student working hours on ongoing assignments

no. of student working hours on reading the literature on the syllabus

no. of class hours

no. of student working hours preparing for and sitting exams

no. of student working hours earmarked for other study-related activities (opposing assignments,

student presentations, etc.).

The number of hours for the different course elements is listed in the course catalogue.

20

Literature

The syllabus for assignments on an optional subject on the courses offered is 900–1,200 standard pages for 7.5

ECTS credits and 1,800–2,100 standard pages for 15 ECTS credits. The syllabus is set by the lecturer and

approved by the Study Board.

If the syllabus includes literature that has been cited previously, the student must list additional literature in order

to specify a total of 1,200 pages of new literature. Supplementary literature must be listed in the bibliography.

The student signs a solemn declaration of compliance with the rules governing the syllabus.

Type of instruction

Classes are usually held in a single semester and consist of two hours a week on each course. In courses where

the classes are held in one half of the semester, they consist of two hours twice a week. The duration and

number of hours per week may vary.

The duration and number of hours per week may vary.

Exam forms

Assignments on optional subjects in a problem area chosen by the student are written on the basis of a syllabus

defined by the lecturer and approved by the Study Board. The number of standard pages listed below applies to

assignments on optional subjects:

Assignment on an optional

subject

7.5 ECTS credits 15 ECTS credits

Syllabus 900–1,200 pages 1,800–2,100 pages

For one student: 36,000 keystrokes; 15

standard pages

48,000 keystrokes;

20 standard pages

for two students: 60,000 keystrokes incl.

spaces; 25 standard

pages

79,000 keystrokes;

33 standard pages

For three students: 84,000 keystrokes; 35

standard pages

108,000 keystrokes;

45 standard pages

Please refer to chapter 4.5 in the common part of the curriculum for more information about the formal

requirement for written assignments and exams.

Form of assessment: the seven-point scale with an internal and external examiner. If the assignment is graded -3

or 00, a new assignment on the same subject may be submitted.

Supervision of assignments on optional subjects, including the choice of literature and a review of the problem

formulation and outline, usually takes place during teaching time.

Transitional curriculum The free assignments will as from 1 September 2018 be graded with the 7-point grading scale with one examiner. For students who have been registered for these exams before 1 September 2018, but not passed it, the above will still apply.

21

6.3.2 Free assignment on optional subject not covered by courses

Objectives:

If students wish to write about a very specific topic that is unrelated to any of the courses in the course

catalogue, they must ask a member of academic staff to supervise an assignment on an optional subject

prescribed to 7,5, 10, 12.5 or 15 ECTS credits that does not involve attending a course. This option can be used

only in special cases, and requires approval from the Study Board. Members of academic staff are not obliged to

supervise free assignments on optional subjects not covered by courses.

Description of objectives for assignments on optional subjects (7.5/10/12.5/15 ECTS credits)

The assignment on an optional subject is based on a course. The purpose of writing an assignment is to prove

that students are able to:

document advanced and in-depth processing of a subject relevant to political science or social science

formulate a problem in an independent manner in a field related to the theories, methods and case

studies introduced during the course

select appropriate theory, methodology and data in order to analyse and respond to the problem

identify strengths/weaknesses in the use of the selected theory/theories and method(s)

write a coherent assignment, in terms of content and communications, in which the result of the analysis

and the response to the problem is characterised by a logical structure and linguistic clarity.

Criteria for achievement of targets for assignments on optional subjects

The grade 12 is awarded for an excellent assignment on an optional subject with no deficiencies, or only a few

minor deficiencies, that meets the following criteria:

deals with a defined problem related to the description of the objectives for the courses offered

links theory and methodology and draws on theoretical or empirical cases as part of its analysis of and

response to the problem

reflects on the choice of theories, methods and case studies, and their strengths and weaknesses

includes an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the analysis

offers a coherent analysis with regard to content and communication

conducts an analysis on a high academic level, the results of which are presented in a logical structure

and in clear language that addresses the problem.

The grade 7 is awarded for a good performance, in which the assignment on an optional subject meets the

stipulated criteria, albeit with a number of deficiencies and/or reveals a lack of cohesion between theory, method

and case(s) in the analysis.

The grade 02 is given to an adequate performance, in which the assignment on an optional subject only meets

the minimum acceptable level of fulfilment of the criteria for achievement of targets, i.e. it is characterised by a

low degree of coherence between theory, method and case(s), and a superficial analysis.

Literature

For assignments on optional subjects not covered by courses, students must draw up their own

bibliography consisting of literature not cited in conjunction with previous exams. The number of standard pages

listed below applies to assignments on optional subjects.

The student signs a solemn declaration of compliance with the rules governing the syllabus.

The number of pages in the syllabus and the length of the assignment are shown in the table below:

22

Free assignment

on optional subject

not covered by

courses

7.5 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits 12.5 ECTS credits 15 ECTS credits

Syllabus 900–1,200 standard

pages

1,200–1,500

standard pages

1,500–1,800

standard pages

1,800–2,100 standard

pages

For one student: 36,000 keystrokes; 15

standard pages

36,000 keystrokes;

15 standard pages

48,000 keystrokes ;

20 standard pages

48,000 keystrokes;

20 standard pages

for two students: 60,000 keystrokes; 25

standard pages

60,000 keystrokes;

25 standard pages

79,200 keystrokes;

33 standard pages

79,200 keystrokes;

33 standard pages

For three students: 84,000 keystrokes; 35

standard pages

84,000 keystrokes;

35 standard pages

108,000

keystrokes;

45 standard pages

108,000 keystrokes;

45 standard pages



Exam forms:

Assignments on optional subjects are produced within a problem area chosen by the student and the syllabus

must be approved by the supervisor.

Transitional curriculum The free assignment on optional subject not covered by courses will as from 1 September 2018 be graded with the 7-point grading scale with one examiner. For students who have been registered for these exams before 1 September 2018, but not passed it, the above will still apply.

23

6.4 Seminars

Contents, etc.

Seminars usually involve the students playing a part in study circles in order to develop and expand their

knowledge of political science’s key theoretical, methodological and/or empirical problems. It is important that

the whole seminar group shares the same syllabus. This facilitates in-depth discussion and collective acquisition

of knowledge about the subject area.

Students are offered a choice of seminars from political science’s core course areas: Political Science, Public

Administration and International Relations. Other seminars equip students to develop and expand their

knowledge of fields adjacent to political science – e.g. sociology, economics, law and social-science methodology

– in an independent manner.

Seminars can vary in terms of structure, content and type of instruction, as well as in relation to the types of

assignments. All seminars also seek to improve the students’ written communication skills.

Description of objectives

The description of objectives varies from seminar to seminar, and the seminars vary from semester to semester.

The description of objectives for each seminar must therefore be included in the course catalogue for the

semester concerned.

Extent and workload

One seminar is prescribed to 7.5 or 15 ECTS credits. The workload for each course is 27.5 hours per ECTS

credit, e.g. 7.5 ECTS credits corresponds to a workload of 206 hours per semester. It is up to the individual

lecturer to decide how the total number of working hours is split between the activities below:

no. of student working hours on ongoing assignments

no. of student working hours on reading the literature on the syllabus

no. of class hours

no. of student working hours preparing for and sitting exams

no. of student working hours earmarked for other study-related activities (opposing assignments,

student presentations, etc.).

The number of hours for the various seminars is listed in the course catalogue.

Literature

Extent 7.5 ECTS credits 15 ECTS credits

Syllabus 900–1,200 pages 1,800–2,100 standard pages

If the syllabus includes literature that has been cited previously, the students must list additional literature in

order to specify a total of 900-1200 pages of exclusively new literature. Supplementary literature must be listed in

the bibliography. Students must sign a solemn declaration of compliance with the rule about supplementary

literature.

24

Type of instruction

The main form of teaching in seminars is study circles, which means that there is a restriction of max. 25

students per seminar. Students must enrol in advance. Admission is normally prioritised on the basis of academic

seniority.

Classes are usually held in a single semester and consist of two hours a week on each course. However, the

duration and number of hours per week may vary.

Exam form

Seminars are passed by submitting a number of compulsory papers during the course of the seminar that amount

to min. 24,000 keystrokes (10 standard pages) and max. 48,000 keystrokes (20 standard pages) per student.

Seminar assignments are written individually.

If multiple assignments are submitted, a single overall assessment is given (pass/fail or a grade) on the basis of all

of them. If a seminar exam is assessed “Fail” or graded -3 or 00 at the first attempt, one or more new/revised

assignments on the same subject can be submitted. If a seminar assignment is assessed “Fail” or graded -3 or 00

at the second attempt, one or more new/revised assignments on the same subject can be submitted.

In total, new/revised assignments can be submitted twice and it must be agreed in advance with the lecturer.

Seminar assignments in the spring semester must be finally approved or graded by the end of June. Seminar

assignments in the autumn semester must be finally approved or graded by the end of January in the following

year.

Prerequisites

A further condition for passing the seminar is that the student has actively participated in the seminar, i.e. min.

75% attendance and active participation. Active participation comprises min. one presentation of the student's

own assignment(s) and one opposition to another seminar participant’s assignment. The assignment(s) are based

on an area chosen by the student but linked to the seminar theme.

Make-up exams and resits

If the seminar is not passed within the above mentioned deadline, the student must registered for the resit, which

involves submitting an assignment on an optional subject based on the same syllabus as the ordinary exam. The

length of the assignment on an optional subject is outlined below:

Assignment on an optional

subject

7.5 ECTS credits 15 ECTS credits

Number of pages 36,000 keystrokes; 15

standard pages

48,000 keystrokes;

20 standard pages

Form of assessment: the seven-point scale with an internal and external examiner.



Comments As from 1 September 2018 seminars are no longer offered as a part of the course catalogue.

25

6.5 Public Law

Course element: Political-science course element

Contents

The course provides knowledge of basic legal principles and rules for public law, as well as insight into their use

and interpretation in practice. It covers the areas of administrative law and constitutional law, as well as the

overarching principles of EU law and international law, including human rights. The students learn to study

administrative issues from a legal perspective and they acquire the knowledge and understanding of the legal

frameworks required for practical work in the public administration.


Public Law gives students:

in-depth knowledge of administrative law, including the Danish Publish Administration Act and the

Open Government Act

a basic knowledge of constitutional law, e.g. the relationship between national law, EU law and

international law, including human rights

legal knowledge that qualifies them to work in public service.

Criteria for achievement of targets

Grade Designation Description

12 Excellent performance

demonstrating

complete fulfilment of

the course objectives.

Based on sound and reflective knowledge of basic legal principles and

rules in administrative law, constitutional law and EU law, the student

demonstrates outstanding ability in conducting independent analyses

of key legal aspects of an administrative problem.

7 Good performance,

which demonstrates

fulfilment of the

course objectives, with

several deficiencies.

Based on sound knowledge of basic legal principles and rules in

administrative law, constitutional law and EU law, the student

demonstrates solid ability in analysing key legal aspects of an

administrative problem.

02 Adequate performance

demonstrating the

minimal acceptable

level of achievement of

the course objectives.

Starting from a basic knowledge of legal principles and rules in

administrative law, constitutional law and EU law, the student

demonstrates the bare minimum of skills in analysing key legal aspects

of an administrative problem.

Extent

7.5 ECTS credits

Literature

The syllabus is 900 standard pages and is the same for all students. The syllabus is set by the Study Board.

Type of instruction

The course totals 28 hours.

26

Exam form

The course concludes with a synopsis exam graded by an internal and external examiner.

Comments

Public Law must be taken on the master's programme if it was not passed as an elective course on the bachelor

programme. A pass in Public Law at either bachelor or master’s level is a prerequisite for graduating as a Master

of Political Science. Public Law is a separate course and therefore cannot be combined with other courses or be

part of other types of exams. If Public Law is completed as part of the master’s programme, it takes precedence

over a synopsis exam.

6.6 Academic internship

Course element: Political-science course element

Contents The purpose of the academic internship is for the student to learn to use "political science in practice". Through a formalised attachment to a company, public institution, research institute or similar the student will perform tasks and at the same time be able to apply his/her academic skills in a practical context. In addition to the formalised affiliation with a company, at the same time the student will attend a course at the department. The course takes place online via Absalon and it is thus taken into account that the student may take an academic internship outside Denmark. During the course, the student will:

See video lectures on "Case work" as well as "Qualified feedback", which together cover 250 pages of

the syllabus.

Give feedback on another student's considerations regarding his or her project report, in two instances.

Submit preliminary considerations regarding the project in two instances and receive feedback from

another student. The supervisor will also give feedback on both submissions.

Submit the assignment for the exam, which consists of the project report and written feedback

It is possible to replace subject elements corresponding to 15 or 30 ECTS on the master’s degree programme in political science with an academic internship. Descriptions of Objectives

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge

o Account for the relevance of political-science studies for conditions, institutions, processes and

working methods in the labour market

o Describe and understand how political scientists work on concrete assignments related to the

social sciences. This includes knowledge of the nature of the assignments, as well as the

academic and non-academic requirements made

o Knowledge of own and other political scientists’ practice

Skills

o Identify one or more academic, relevant cases in a political-science organisation

o Formulate precise, delimited problems – linked to the case

o Analyse conditions, institutions, processes and/or the working methods of the company in an

academic context

o Reflect on and assess on connections between the chosen case(s) in the company with one or

more theoretical and methodological approaches to political science

27

Competencies

o Take responsibility for providing relevant feedback on one fellow student’s considerations

concerning the project report

o Independently and professionally collaborate, plan and coordinate tasks in a company

o Discuss solutions to tasks in an academically qualified manner

o Discuss solutions to tasks within the workplace’s area of work through academic reflection and

practical experience

o Have the ability to independently find and acquire new research-based knowledge that

contributes to solutions in the company

Criteria for assessment of goal attainment On assessing the project report, the required account must be taken of whether this is a report which replaces 15 or 30 ECTS for the master’s degree programme in political science. To pass the subject the student must demonstrate:

That the selected case is of relevance to the internship site and described in a comprehensive and specific way, so that precise and delimited issues can be derived from the case

That the derived issues allow reflection on why they are relevant for the internship site, one’s own role in relation to the case and the experience gained from investigation of the case

That the analysis more deeply considers the phenomenon described in the case. This means that the student benefits from being part of the environment at the internship site and therefore has the opportunity to combine practice experience with relevant methods and theories from political-science studies, and to evaluate their use.

That the feedback which students give to each other is formatively formulated, i.e. is aimed at and provides specific instructions for how the fellow students' drafts and reflections can be improved on the basis of the aforementioned criteria.

Extent

The subject comprises 15 or 30 ECTS.

Extent of working hours

No. of ECTS Field of work Number of hours

15 ECTS Working hours at the internship site 327 hours

Project report, including feedback and preparation 85 hours

Total 412 hours

30 ECTS Working hours at the internship site 650 hours

Project report, including feedback and preparation 175 hours

Total 825 hours

Literature 250 pages are determined by the Board of Studies concerning the case selection as well as qualified feedback. 500 pages are defined by the student. The student is permitted to use the syllabus previously used from both the bachelor and master's degree programmes. Teaching and working methods The working method is to a great extent organised independently by the student. Students are expected to work on their project reports during their academic internship, including by participating in feedback rounds via Absalon and preparing their own project reports on the basis of feedback from their fellow students.

28

Outline of the process:

Date Activity Points of special

attention

The student gains an internship

The student applies for prior approval for an academic

internship no later than six weeks before the academic

internship is to commence

Use the official application form

for prior approval of an

academic internship. Remember

to include all appendices.

No later than

two weeks

before the start

of the semester

The student is placed in a feedback group on Absalon with

an affiliated project supervisor

The student views the video lecture about “Qualified

feedback” as well as “Case work” via Absalon

Outline of the 200-page

syllabus set by the Board of

Studies

One month

and two weeks

after start of

the semester

First submission: The student submits considerations

regarding one or more empirically based cases at the

internship site, preliminary problem and considerations

regarding theory.

Length: 4,800-7,200 keystrokes; 2-3 standard pages

Attendance is compulsory to be

able to take the ordinary exam

Two months

after start of

the semester

First feedback: The student gives feedback via Absalon on a

fellow student's first submission.

Length: Minimum 2,400 keystrokes; 1 standard page



Three months

after start of

the semester

Second submission: The student submits a further

development of the first submission which includes the

feedback received. An academic reflection must also be

submitted on the connection between:

The empirically based case(s) from the internship

site

Theory and literature from political science.

Length: 9,600-12,000 keystrokes; 4-5 standard pages



Three months

and two weeks

after start of

the semester

Second feedback: The student gives feedback via Absalon on

a fellow student's first submission.

Length: Minimum 4,800 keystrokes; 2 standard pages



End of the

semester

The student submits the project report, which is a further

development of the two submissions, as well as both

feedback papers.

Check the exam date in the

exam schedule.

Supervisor A project supervisor must be attached to both the academic internship and the preparation of the project report. The student must find a supervisor among the Department's potential supervisors for Academic internship. The supervisor must agree to supervise the student. Exam requirements Participation in the feedback group on Absalon. The student must in two instances submit considerations regarding the project report, and also in two instances give feedback on a fellow student's considerations within

29

the deadline specified in the exam schedule. Participation in the group and submission of feedback are a precondition for taking the exam. Exam form

The exam is passed with a project report whereby the students submit their own reports, and as an appendix also submit the feedback papers prepared for a fellow student. The exam is marked as pass/fail, with internal examiner . For students who have passed more than 10 ECTS graded with “passed/failed” before 1 September 2018, the Academic internship will be marked with the 7-point grading scale with one examiner. Please notice that this only applies to students who are registered for the Academic Internship at 30 ECTS. Length:

Exam 15 ECTS 30 ECTS

Project report 24,000 keystrokes

(10 standard pages)

36,000 keystrokes

(15 standard pages)

Appendix: Feedback

evaluation

Two feedback papers of minimum:

2,400 keystrokes (1 standard page)

4,800 keystrokes (2 standard pages)

Two feedback papers of minimum:

2,400 keystrokes (1 standard page)

4,800 keystrokes (2 standard pages)

Re-examination It is possible to take the re-examination even though the exam requirements has not met. The exam is marked as pass/fail, with internal examiner . For students who have passed more than 10 ECTS graded with “passed/failed” before 1 September 2018, the Academic internship will be marked with the 7-point grading scale with one examiner. Please notice that this only applies to students who are registered for the Academic Internship at 30 ECTS. Length:

Exam 15 ECTS 30 ECTS

Project report 43,200 keystrokes (18 standard pages) 60,000 keystrokes (25 standard pages)

See 4.5 of the Curricula’s Common Part for more information about the formal requirements for written assignments and an overview of what is included in the keystroke count.

30

6.7 Compulsory courses on the specialisations

In the autumn semester, compulsory courses are offered on the following specialisations:

Organisation and Management (Organisation og ledelse)

Political Behaviour and Advanced Quantitative Methodology (Politisk adfærd og videregående

kvantitativ metode)

International Relations, Diplomacy and Conflict Studies

In the spring semester, compulsory courses are offered on the following specialisations:

EU


Political Theory (Politisk teori)

Requirements

The compulsory courses on the specialisations can include an internal writing exercise, which acts as a

prerequisite for sitting the exam in the course in question. The length of the writing exercise must not exceed

19,200 keystrokes (eight standard pages) irrespective of whether it is submitted individually or as part of a group.



Transitional curriculum As from 1 September 2018 the following will be applicable for the specialisations from now on called Core subjects. For students who have been registered for the exams before 1 September 2018, but not passed it, the above will still apply. The core-subject lines’ goal description, content, criteria for goal attainment, syllabus and forms of teaching and examination vary from course to course and must therefore be found in the course catalogue (www.kurser.ku.dk). It is possible to choose between the following core-subject lines:

Organisation and Leadership (only offered in Danish)

Political Theory

Political Behaviour (only offered in Danish)



Foreign Policy

European Politics

Evaluative knowledge (only offered in Danish)

The Politics of Enviroment, Climate and Sustainability The overview below shows which core subjects are to be taken for the individual lines:

Core-subject line Core subject

Organisation and Leadership Core subject 1: Public Governance and Management

Core subject 2: Organisational Analysis

Political Theory Core subject 1: Contemporary Political Theory

Core subject 2: Democratic Challenges

Political Behaviour Core subject 1: Political Behaviour

Core subject 2: Advanced Quantitative Methods in the study of Political Behaviour


31

International Political Economy Core subject 1: Theories and Issues in International Political Economy



Core subject 1: Approaches to International Conflicts - From Theory to Methods


Foreign Policy Core subject 1: Theory and Practice in Foreign Policy


European Politics

Core subject 1: Institutions, Policy Processes and Policies in the European Union

Core subject 2: Important Challenges in European Governance:

Lobbying and Interest Groups

Evaluative knowledge Core subject 1: Evaluation

Core subject 2: Knowledge

The Politics of Enviroment, Climate and Sustainability

Core subject 1: The Politics of Environment and Climate

Core subject 2: Perspectives on Sustainability

Literature The table below shows the scope of the syllabus for the core subjects. The syllabus is the same for all students. The syllabus is set by the Board of Studies.

Subject element Extent Syllabus

Core subject 1 15 ECTS

1,800–2,100 standard pages

Core subject 2 7.5 ECTS

900–1,200 standard pages


Courses total 56 hours for core subject 1 and 28 hours for core subject 2.

The core-subject lines are established with minimum 15 and maximum 40 students. Students can register for 3

core-subject lines, in order of priority.

If a core-subject line has more than 40 students, an attempt is made to duplicate the same core-subject line, so

that, as far as possible, students get their first priority, provided that there are resources available for this.

If there are insufficient resources for duplication, the students are alternatively assigned a place in a core-subject

line by drawing lots. If you do not achieve your first priority, you will be guaranteed your second priority. In the

post-registration period, students will be awarded a core-subject line place depending on how quickly they register

(first come, first served).

Exam form The overview below shows the grading method for the core subjects.

Subject element Extent Grading method

Core subject 1 15 ECTS 7-point grading scale with external grading

Core subject 2 7.5 ECTS 7-point grading scale with one examiner

The types of exam forms will be as follows. Oral exam with or without synopsis, free assignment, three-day compulsory written take-home assignment or portfolio exam.

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6.8 Thesis

Course element: Thesis in Political Science

Transitional curriculum

Below mentioned only applies to students who sign their 1st thesis contact after 1 February 2020.

Students who has signed their thesis contract 30 November 2019 and prior to this date, are covered by the

provisions for the thesis specified in section 6.8.1

Contents Thesis writing involves that the student applies the theories and methods introduced during the course to produce a long, written, academic paper that analyses a political-science issue chosen by the student. A part of producing the thesis consists of participation in a thesis cluster, which provides students with general knowledge of and guidance in the use of methods, writing assignments, structuring the written product and managing the work process, as well as other relevant elements of the thesis writing. An important element of the thesis cluster is the students’ own active participation. They are required both to present their own work and critique the work of others. As an integral part of thesis writing, students are also assigned a supervisor. Descriptions of Objectives After completing the master’s thesis, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge

o Account for a field of research, relevant theory and methodology.

o Compare selected theories and methods, and identify differences, similarities, strengths and

weaknesses.

Skills

o Formulate a precise and limited problem, and devise a rigorous research design.

o Select, discuss and apply theory and methodology when conducting an analysis.

o Set objectives and sub-objectives for the analysis that help provide a systematic and satisfactory

response to the problem.

o Collect data in a broad sense, and seek out information and literature.

o Summarise the subject, theory and methodology covered by the thesis.

o Convey specialist knowledge in clear language and on a high academic level.

Competencies

o Plan, organise and complete assignments by a given deadline and in accordance with academic

requirements for quality.

o Relate critically to the problem selected and to the analysis conducted.

o Critically evaluate own work by demonstrating insight into the strengths, weaknesses, limitations

and perspectives of the theories and methods chosen.

Criteria for assessment of goal attainment

Grade Designation Description

12 Excellent performance which with no or few insignificant deficiencies complies with the following:

Knowledge

o Relate critically to the self-chosen political-science

issue.

o Relate critically and reflectively to key concepts and

significant assertions

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o Explain and state the reasons for the choice of theory

and the methodological approach

Skills

o Independently analyse primary and/or secondary

sources

o Independently put the applied theory into a wider

perspective

o Discuss the methodological approach

Competencies

o Answer the research question formulated in the thesis

o Write a thesis characterised by independence, boldness

and/or originality in relation to the selected topic,

methodology, data collation, analytical work and/or

theoretical reflection, and/or consider a difficult

issue/topic, and/or create new knowledge.

7 Good performance, which demonstrates fulfilment of the subject’s objectives, with several deficiencies.

Knowledge

o Fulfils the knowledge criteria for the subject, according

to the described objectives, albeit with some

deficiencies

Skills

o Fulfils the proficiency criteria for the subject, according

to the described objectives, albeit with a number of

deficiencies

Competencies

o Comply with the competence criteria for the subject, as

per the described objectives, albeit with a number of

deficiencies

02 Adequate performance, which demonstrates the minimum acceptable degree of fulfilment of the subject’s objectives.

Knowledge

o Complies with the knowledge criteria for the subject,

according to the described objectives, which

demonstrate the minimum acceptable level of

achievement of the subject objectives

Skills

o Complies with the skills criteria for the subject,




Competencies

o Complies with the competence criteria for the subject,




Extent

The thesis comprises 30 ECTS.

Literature

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There is no requirement for an actual syllabus for the thesis, but it must include a bibliography, see Chapter 4.5 of the Curricula’s Common Part concerning the formal requirements for written assignments. Supervision The supervision will take place in the form of cluster and individual supervision. Thesis students are assigned a supervisor in cooperation with the general thesis supervisor. The aim is for the cluster supervisor to also be the thesis supervisor for the approximately five theses in the cluster. Supervision is normally provided by internal assistant professors, associate professors or professors.

Exam form

The master’s thesis is assessed according to the 7-point grading scale, with external grading. The student must choose one of the following thesis models for the master's thesis:

1. Classical thesis (monograph)

2. Academic article

Monograph Extent:

For one student: 144,000-168,000 keystrokes (60-70 standard pages)

For two students: 240,000-288,000 keystrokes (100-120 standard pages)

For three students: 336,000-360,000 keystrokes (140-150 standard pages)

Academic article The article must be assessed by the supervisor to be an almost final draft or have been submitted to a journal. In addition to the article, an introduction is drafted in relation to the article or its subject matter, for example a more comprehensive review of the field or methodological discussions. The introduction and article must together fulfil the thesis' learning outcome objective. Extent:

For one student: the article plus introduction may not exceed 120,000 keystrokes (50 standard pages). See 4.5 of the Curricula’s Common Part for more information about the formal requirements for written assignments and an overview of what is included in the keystroke count.

Comments

The thesis must be prepared in the course of the second academic year of the master’s degree programme.

Formal requirements The master’s thesis must include the following:

Summary

If the thesis is written in Danish, Swedish or Norwegian, the summary must be written in English. If the thesis is written in English, the summary may be written in either Danish or English. The summary must be max. one page.

Bibliography

Number of keystrokes. See section 4.5 of the Curricula’s Common Part for an overview of what is

included in the keystroke count.

If the thesis does not include these elements, the thesis will be rejected.

Front page The front page of the thesis must include the following:

Title

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Name of supervisor

Name of author

Month and year of submission

Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen

About registration Students must register for the thesis in accordance with the rules described in section 4.2.4 of the Curricula’s Common Part.

6.8.1 Course description for students who signed their 1st thesis contract on 30 November 2019 and prior to this date.

About the second and third exam attempts Students who fail to submit their theses by the stipulated deadline must register for a second exam attempt (and, if needed, a third attempt) under the rules described in section 4.2.5 of the Curricula’s Common Part.

Contents

Thesis writing involves applying the theories and methods introduced during the course to produce a long,

written, academic paper that analyses a political-science issue chosen by the student.

A part of producing the thesis consists of the thesis cluster, which provides students with general knowledge and

guidance in the use of methods, writing assignments, structuring the written product, managing their workflow,

as well as other relevant elements of the process. An important element of the thesis cluster is the students’ own

active participation. They are required both to present their own work and critique the work of others. As an

integral part of thesis writing, students are also assigned a supervisor.

Competency profile

On successful completion of the thesis, students have acquired:

specialist and comprehensive knowledge of the thesis topic and relevant theories and methods

experience of and insight into the practical application of theory and methods in undertaking a

comprehensive analysis as part of a prolonged work process

project-management skills such as planning, organising and completing major assignments within a

given timeframe and in accordance with the requirements for academic quality

experience of drawing up objectives and preliminary targets, integrating individual parts of the thesis

into the thesis as a whole, critical reading and evaluation of own work, checking for consistency,

continuity, etc.

competence in written communication of specialised knowledge at a high academic level

advanced skills in collating data in a broad sense and searching for information and literature.


Through the work on the thesis, the student must demonstrate proficiency in making use of the subject area’s

methodologies and theories in an independent analysis of a research question related to political science. This

entails that the student is able to independently and critically:

formulate, identify and profile the thesis’ research question

select, discuss and apply relevant methodological approaches to the analysis and select, identify, collate

and process primary or secondary theoretical and/or empirical material of relevance to the analysis

analyse the theoretical and/or empirical material in order to address the research question

reflect on the analysis and discuss its strengths and weaknesses

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select, discuss and apply relevant theoretical concepts and conceptual structures to the analysis, and,

where appropriate, link empirical analysis to theoretical insights and perspectives

present the results of the analysis in a logical structure that answers the question in a clear language.

Criteria for achievement of objectives

The grade 12 is awarded for an excellent performance which demonstrates complete fulfilment of the thesis’

objectives and with no or few minor deficiencies lives up to the following:

the thesis deals in an independent and critical manner with a political-science problem chosen by the

student

there is a high degree of cohesion between content and communication in the thesis.

the thesis presents an independent analysis based on primary and/or secondary sources

the thesis includes independent application of theory/theoretical reflection/theoretical contextualisation

the thesis includes an account of, reasons for and discussion of the methodological approach and the

critical/reflective use of empirical and/or theoretical sources

all significant choices are justified

all key concepts are defined and discussed

all significant assertions are substantiated and/or justified

the research question is answered in the thesis

the thesis is characterised by independence, boldness and/or originality of the topic selection,

methodology, data collation, analytical work and/or theoretical reflection, and/or the thesis deals with a

difficult problem/topic, and/or the thesis generates new knowledge.

The grade 7 is awarded for a good performance, in which the thesis, despite a number of deficiencies, meets its

objectives and/or displays a certain degree of independence in the analysis.

The grade 02 is given for an adequate performance in which the thesis only meets the minimum number of

criteria for achievement of the objectives, i.e. is characterised by a dependent and/or superficial analysis and/or

by uncritical and/or direct quoting of sources.

Scope

The thesis constitutes 30 ECTS credits.

Literature

There is no requirement for an actual syllabus for the thesis, but it must contain a bibliography (see 4.6 on formal

requirements for written work).

Supervision

The supervision will take place in the form of cluster and individual supervision. Thesis students are assigned a

supervisor in cooperation with the general thesis supervisor. The aim is for the cluster supervisor to also be the

thesis supervisor for the approximately five theses in the cluster. Supervision is normally provided by internal

assistant professors, associate professors or professors.

Exam form

The thesis is externally graded according to the seven-point scale. The rules for thesis writing and guidelines for

assessment of the thesis are described above (description of objectives, etc.).

The scope of the thesis may not exceed:

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For one student:

192,000 keystrokes; 80 standard pages

For two students: 336,000 keystrokes; 140 standard pages

For three students: 480,000 keystrokes; 200 standard pages

See section 4.5 of the Curricula’s Common Part for more information about the formal requirements for written

papers, as well as an overview of what is included in the keystroke count.

Comments

The thesis is placed at the second year of the master’s programme.

About registration:

Students must register for the thesis in accordance with the rules for thesis registration as described in section

4.2.4 of the Curricula’s Common Part: “Registering for a master’s thesis”.

About the second and third exam attempts:

Students who fail to submit their theses by the stated deadline are registered for a second exam attempt (and, if

needed, a third attempt) under the rules described in section 4.2.5 of the Curricula’s Common Part: “Registration

for the second and third thesis attempts on the master’s programme”.

Supervision

Approximately 20 hours, including preparation, are set aside for supervising a thesis. If the student fails to submit the thesis at the first attempt and the supervision hours have been used up, the supervisor’s further input is limited to the final assessment. As a general rule, no new supervision hours will be provided in that case.

programme curriculum for the master’s programme in political science… · 2020-02-19 ·...

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